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Mail Mania! Postal Elves Survive The Busiest Shipping Day Of The Year

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—For those who won't be shipping by sleigh, the countdown to get those Christmas packages in the mail is on!

Jessica Kartalija has more on the post office's busiest shipping day of the year.

There was a mad rush on Black Friday to get the shopping done.  Now, we're talking shipping. And it's getting down to the wire.

A trip to the post office could leave you feeling a lot like the Grinch.

It's crunch time.

The U.S. Postal Service says 600 million packages are shipping Monday.

"Driving that down to what we are doing here in Baltimore, it's about 2.4 million pieces," said Thomas Callahan.

Callahan is postmaster in Baltimore City.

"We've got lobby assistants at all of our post offices in the city today, helping expedite lines, answer questions for the public," Callahan said.

And it's working.

"It's been good, running past real quick, everything has been real smooth. I don't have any complaints," said Terrell Marine, of Baltimore City.

It's good to have boxes pre-packed and ready to roll.

USPS also suggests writing the recipient's name and address on the front and side of the package and also including a copy of their address inside the box as well, should something open up.

USPS expects a 12 percent increase over last year with more people buying gifts online.

"Shipped earlier, bought my presents earlier and shipped earlier," said Jake Polivka, of Baltimore County.

USPS is also urging customers to ship online as well.

"You can get postage there, schedule package pick-up, pay for it there. Pickup is for free, so is the tracking. We'll come to your house and get it," Callahan said.

No grinches here, just holiday cheer.

Dec. 21 is the last day to ship priority if you want those presents to get there by Christmas Eve.

The postal service expects to deliver 15 billion letters, cards and packages from Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve.

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